Bring your furniture closer together to create a warm, inviting space perfect for relaxing and conversation. As the temperatures drop, small adjustments in your living area can make a big difference. Pull sofas and chairs a little nearer, layer soft throws and pillows, and add a textured rug to anchor the seating group. These simple … Read more

My daughters and I were delighted to be at West Elm in Seattle on Saturday the 21st for a book signing of The Inspired Room. We spent the afternoon there from 12–2, meeting readers, signing copies and celebrating the book. If you were in the area and stopped by, thank you for taking the time … Read more

One of the things I miss most about living in older homes is their original woodwork—real plank walls, wainscoting, detailed trim and wood ceilings that give a house so much character. The good news is you can add that character to a newer home, and that’s exactly what we set out to do in this … Read more

YYou may have seen this in my side patio makeover post, but we finally have a gate on our side patio — no longer gateless in Seattle. What started as a small project turned into one with plenty of hiccups and mishaps, yet we got there in the end. The gate took far longer to … Read more

Phoebe Howard Design – Coastal Living – Tria Giovan Photography Did you wake up today thinking, “I can’t wait to leap out of bed—today will be lovely”? I hope so. Even when Mondays don’t feel inspiring, it helps to choose a mindset that invites beauty and calm. Today I’m sharing a few images that moved … Read more

Wall Sconce Details / Wall Art Details / Rug / Stool / Pillow / Table / Chair: Ballard Designs YYou know what really brightens my day? A large bouquet of pink tulips. My husband surprised me with these and they instantly lifted the mood in my living room. They also have me eagerly anticipating spring, … Read more

I enjoy wandering through shops, and it had been a while since I last visited Anthropologie. Today I’m sharing a virtual shopping stroll with photos I took in the store. Enjoy the tour and the little finds that caught my eye. For a roundup of my favorites from the sale that ends today, see my … Read more

Welcome my friend, Sandy Coughlin! Early summer is one of the most enjoyable times for gardening. The air feels fresher, the days are still cool, and everything seems new and promising. Later in the season the heat and weeds can make outdoor work feel like a chore. This is a perfect time to prepare for … Read more

Creative Christmas tree theme! We decided not to have a single large tree this year. Instead of a huge fresh-cut centerpiece that takes over a room and demands a lot of fuss, we chose a simpler approach: several smaller trees, one in each main room. It felt more appropriate for this season—less showy, more relaxed, … Read more

This is Martha’s kitchen from her set, and I love everything about it. Why I love this kitchen: It reads as a working kitchen—one you can easily imagine someone cooking in every day. The open display shelves, filled with white bowls and cake stands, offer attractive yet useful decor. Open cookbook storage gives the space … Read more